Should I feel imposed upon or am I just being selfish?

[nkabza]

I moved into an over 55 community one year ago. Since my neighbors have discovered I quilt and have a studio in my home, I have had numerous requests in the last 6 months to do "sewing" for others. Everything from showing someone how to make a quilted purse, doing alterations, to making draperies. I have declined in most cases, but my neighbor (with whom I am friends) asked me to make a table runner for her dining room table. At first I said no, but she has asked me again as she doesn't know how to sew and she is a really nice woman. I finally said yes, because I felt guilty. I don't really want to do sewing for others. I want to spend my time quilting. I've also been asked to teach others to quilt. I am not by any means a professional, but I could teach the basics. But once again, it would take away from my quilting time. I also work 1/2 time in our family business.

Has anyone else had this experience? How do you handle it?

[Carrie J]

LOL, oh yes, I certainly have, many times. No is NOT an easy word to learn to use. But I learned you do have to draw the line at some point. Guilty, heck yeah, feel that way a lot, but, and that's a big word, there comes a time when you have to put yourself first.

[sidesaddles]

When you start quoting a price, they usually back-off. Its the only way I have found that some people will leave me alone.

[toggpine]

Make her a gift of the table runner. Wrap up and give it to her for Valentines Day or something.

If you don't want to sew for others, say, "No, but thanks for your confidence in my abilities to do something like that for you. I know there are seamstresses out there that would be excellent at that."

Most people don't have a clue what goes into making some of the things you have listed. I don't think you are being selfish. Teaching can be fun, but it is also a lot of work.

If you don't want to, then don't. No guilt.

[Hulamoon]

Do You have a quilt shop near by that you could refer to for classes? You could say your machine is in the shop, but that might not work for very long. If you start charging a price they might actually take you up on it. lol

[kaydee]

Perhaps you should hold some classes. Tell your neighbors you don't have time to address their problems individually, but you'd be willing to teach a class on sewing basics, leading to other things later on. Perhaps twice a month?

I have a friend who heads to Florida every year. She started teaching sewing/quilting classes, and she found that other "control freaks" would take over her classes. It annoyed her, but in your case, you could bow out and let the control freaks have at it.

[Sandy Navas]

Give them a link to Jenny's tutorials and sit back and laugh - they'll be broke buying daily deals.

[Granny Fran]

I agree with sidesaddles, charging will let people know that your time is valuable and that you just want to pursue your hobby. As for the neighbor, well, you could gift it to her because you value her friendship. In future, just be honest that you do not want to be in business.

For teaching, again, charge for classes if you choose to do them. There are many ways to do this outside your home. You may not consider yourself a professional, but obviously your community thinks you are. Be flattered, but stick to your guns. Your time belongs to you.

Remember NO is not a four letter word. LOL. It gets easier the more you exercise your right to say it.

[Mpyles]

You could make her a really ugly table runner...then she would never ask for anything again. Kidding aside...people have no clue as to what it takes to be a quilter...and that contrary to their thoughts it is NOT A CHEAP HOBBY. I get asked repeatedly at work to make quilts for others...I tell them I am highly paid for my craft and they could not afford me. It may sound flip...but i make quilts I want to make for people I want to gift them...I don't do requests.

[Kgrammiecaz]

Tough dilemma but for me I started with no right away. This is for my fun time. I decide who I want to sew/quilt for and I choose what I make too. Harsh I know. Its my time and at this age time is precious.